New community centre opens in Smithy Bridge

The Bridge Centre, which is owned by Smithy Bridge Methodist Church, also houses a café and a charity shop.

Speaking about the official launch of the centre, which took place on Monday 7 September, Manager Janet Bower said: “It was crazy but it was good crazy. People seem to really like it and I think a lot of people came along to come back to the shop and to see the charity shop in a new building.”

The centre is located on a former warehouse site and the site of a former charity shop.

“Smithy Bridge Methodist Church bought the building but it was falling down and had water and things getting in to it so the church decided to rebuild on the site and build a community centre,” added Janet.

It is hoped that the centre will be able to provide activities and meeting groups for local residents.

Janet said: “Hopefully we can provide groups for the elderly and young mums groups and toddler groups once we are up and running a bit more. We can only open in the mornings at the minute because we are low on volunteers, so once we have some more volunteers and are open for longer, those are the things we want to add.”

Anyone who can spare a few hours at the centre and would like to volunteer can contact Janet: